Customer spreading false rumors

Topic: General

Question

November 6, 2017

We had a customer accuse of of fraud for selling her a setting made of platinum because it was attracted to her rare earth magnet. I understand that jewelry is not our platinum, but considered pure with 950/50 ratio. I understand cobalt is often used as the 50. I understand cobalt is magnetic. I also understand that platinum is paramagnetic; which means it is a weak magnet.

Even if there was no Cobalt, is it possible if the rare earth magnet was strong enough it would attract the platinum? There are many websites stating that if it is attracted to a magnet. It is not platinum. The hurt the entire jewelry industry. Jewelers and pawn shops are misinformed because if these sites. They misinform customers.

I need some help in getting the truth out. We used, Stuller, a Billion dollar company as our supplier and showed her the invoice. We even paid $150 to have the setting independently appraised by a certified GIA gemologist. She would not accept those pieces if evidence and is calling us frauds, ruining our business. I need help in stopping the false info on the net that hurts our industry.

I hope you can help me with data on this. Thank you in advance.

Kim - USA

28310

Answer

It is unfortunate that some people are complete jerks, and not only will not accept solid information that disputes some belief those people have, but they are also so nasty that they try to ruin another person's business.

The problem is that it is so easy to spread false statements through Social Media, and that there are people who will believe anything they see.

One thing you could do concerning this nasty customer is to offer to buy back the setting. It might be worth taking the loss than having such a person spreading false information about you and your business.

It is unlikely that any platinum used in jewelry is 100% pure. Also, since is it paramagnetic, it is slight attracted to a strong rare earth magnet. But of course, this will not convince some people.

I guess you--as well as many business people dealing with the public--have to be careful and spell things out before making a sale.

Manage business and school at the same time

Question

Hie,am a university student and i want to involve myself in business without interfering with my academic perfomance, how can i manage my business and school at the same time? Please helpthank you

- Malawi

26800

Answer

Managing a business and studying in school at the same time can be difficult. However, there are many entrepreneurs who have been able to do both.

Good time management is important. Set aside a certain amount of time for your studies, as well as other blocks of time for your business activities. Multi-tasking or trying to do two or more things at once actually prove to be inefficient. It is better to focus on one thing at a time.

Work smarter instead of harder. You can get more things done that way.

Trying to do both may cut into your social life. But you can take time to enjoy yourself, as long as it is not overdone.

I hope these ideas help. Best wishes for success in your studies, as well as in your business.

Wants to start a seed business

Topic: Starting Business

Question

October 18, 2015

Greetings! Sir, I have read your good thoughts and ideas to start a good business. These are key points for any successive buisness. I am a student of seed science and technology and i want to establish a seed buisness after completion of my studies. My request is that kindly provide me some guidelines and besic steps to start a seed buisness or to establish a seed corporation. Thanks

Muhammad - Pakistan

26451

Answer

It is good to study the various seed businesses--both large and small--to see what they do and how they get their customers. In fact, it may be worthwhile to look into working for such a company for a while, in order to learn the business and to know who are the suppliers.

If your expertise is in the seed science, it is also good to find a partner who has a business and marketing background.

Write up a short Business Plan that outlines what you want to do and how you will achieve your goals, as well as the funding your will need to get started. A good Business Plan is important in convincing prospective investors.

Suggested business link

Topic: Resources

Question

August 10, 2015

I noticed your Links to your Business Resources section on your website and I want to thank you for providing those helpful resources.

Broadview Networks recently created a Top Tech 2015 Blog Award post that features the best technology bloggers on the internet, and we think your readers would benefit from this article too. The article leads to 20 bloggers who provide insight to the latest and greatest technology and how it can be utilized in business.

We hope you share our award findings on your Business Resources section, so that your readers may discover these bloggers and gain further and advice to what you have already provided.

Cindy - USA

26265

Answer

I couldn't find the Top Tech 2015 Blog Award post. Also, most blogs seemed to be advertisements for BroadView.

Minimum capital needed to start up a business

Topic: Definitions

Question

June 21, 2015

What is the minimum capital to start up a business

DANIEL - Zambia

26105

Answer

It depends on the type of business you want to start and how much equipment you need. It also depends on the level at which you are starting. You could start some small businesses in your home, or you might want to start at a large scale.